10 Newspapers That Do It Right

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Three SNPA member newspapers are among the "10 Newspapers That Do It Right," as identified by Editor & Publisher Magazine, with another three being recognized with honorable mentions!

"From digital initiatives that are tapping into new audiences to community programs that are fostering stronger relationships, the ideas are as diverse as each market each publication serves," E&P said.

The SNPA members recognized by E&P are:

  • Ledger-Enquirer, Columbus, Ga. – for a Together 2016 civic initiative that sought ideas for neighborhood and regional projects from local residents, before selecting the most applicable for implementation.
  • Rockford Register Star, Rockford, Ill. – for a series of dialogues with the community that helped set a tone for the community and show them how to have a productive civil dialogue on a variety of issues.
  • The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City, Okla. – for creative fundraising opportunities for its NIE program that revolved around community engagement, and organizing community events, including an Academic Excellence Luncheon and Cars for Education show.

In addition, the following papers were among the Honorable Mentions:

  • Gainesville (Fla.) Sun – In March 2016, a black Gainesville teenager holding a soft pellet gun was killed by police officers and sheriff's deputies. The Gainesville Sun dedicated its small resources to deeply investigating disparities that fall along racial lines and initiated Gainesville For All (#GNV4ALL), convening people across divides, holding community forums, focusing study groups, and partnering with the big players and grassroots activists. 
  • Galveston County Daily News in Texas – The Galveston County Daily News launched a magazine line, Coast Monthly, using existing staff and distribution. The product is on track to reach $1 million annually while expanding the advertiser base, and building a new and powerful print franchise. The process is being replicated in other sister newspapers with expected collective revenues to cross $4 million in 2017.
  • Sarasota (Fla.) Herald-Tribune – After winning a Pulitzer Prize with the Tampa Bay Times in 2016, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune doubled down on its investigative and enterprise journalism and launched four major projects. "Bias on the Bench" tackled an overlooked problem plaguing Florida's court system, the disparate treatment between black and white defendants. When a local man went missing in Texas in March 2013, the Herald-Tribune began investigating his disappearance in "What Happened to Mason?" A series of stories on Medicaid produced more than a dozen Page 1 stories showing the gaping holes in the system meant to keep Florida's children healthy. "Can You Afford to Live in Paradise?" examined how rental rates, availability and the conversation surround housing are shaping the future of local young professionals. 

Read about all of the entries recognized by E&P

10 Newspapers That Do It Right
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